Load balancing for a virtual networking system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The method comprises maintaining one or more data sets on at least one computing node. The method further comprises receiving, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. For each computing node, the method determines whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to overlay virtual environments, and in particular, load balancing for a virtual networking system.

Network virtualization using overlays use encapsulation, such as virtual extensible local area network (VxLAN) encapsulation and network virtualization generic routing encapsulation (NVGRE), which may be supported by hypervisor and networking vendors. To use VxLAN or NVGRE encapsulation, hypervisor virtual switches are modified to support the respective overlay technology. Incompatibility with encapsulation types makes it necessary to use a translation gateway, which translates between the different packet formats. Often the translation gateways are communication bottlenecks and impact communication performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention provide a method for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The method comprises maintaining one or more data sets on at least one computing node. The method further comprises receiving, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The method further comprises, for each computing node, determining whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

Another embodiment provides a networking system comprising one or more data sets, and multiple computing nodes including a primary computing node. Each data set is maintained on a computing node. The primary computing node is configured to receive, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The primary computing node is further configured to determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node, wherein a data set on the computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node.

Another embodiment provides a computer program product for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium having program code embodied therewith. The program code is executable by a computer to maintain one or more data sets on at least one computing node, and receive, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The program code is further executable by the computer to determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example cloud computing node, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example cloud computing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates abstraction model layers of a cloud computing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating a distributed overlay virtual environment for employing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example cloud cluster of a cloud computing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of a non-primary node, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5C illustrates a block diagram of a primary node, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates load balancing for a cluster, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example process of load balancing for a virtual networking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a high level block diagram showing an information processing system useful for implementing one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to overlay virtual environments, and in particular, load balancing for a virtual networking system. Embodiments of the invention provide a method for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The method comprises maintaining one or more data sets on at least one computing node. The method further comprises receiving, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The method further comprises, for each computing node, determining whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

Another embodiment provides a networking system comprising one or more data sets, and multiple computing nodes including a primary computing node. Each data set is maintained on a computing node. The primary computing node is configured to receive, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The primary computing node is further configured to determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node, wherein a data set on the computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node.

Another embodiment provides a computer program product for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium having program code embodied therewith. The program code is executable by a computer to maintain one or more data sets on at least one computing node, and receive, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. The program code is further executable by the computer to determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

If the primary computing node fails, another computing node is elected as a replacement primary computing node. The replacement primary computing node takes over the operations of the failed primary computing node.

Each data set corresponds to a data sub-group. Each computing node maintains mapping information, wherein the mapping information identifies, for each data set of the system, a computing node that the data set is mapped to.

In one embodiment, a load information unit for a computing node comprises information relating to resource usage of each data set on said computing node. wherein the primary computing node is further configured to:

In one embodiment, the primary computing node is further configured to identify a first computing node, wherein the load information unit for the first computing node is higher than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system. The primary computing node is further configured to identify a second computing node, wherein the load information unit for the second computing node is lower than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system.

In one embodiment, the primary computing node is further configured to determine a first data set on the first computing node to transfer based on the load information unit for the first computing node and the load information unit for the second computing node. The first computing node transfers the first data set to the second computing node. The first computing node also transfers data updates for the first data set to the second computing node. Each computing node updates the mapping information for the first data set on said computing node.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description of cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models.

Characteristics are as Follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed, automatically without requiring human interaction with the service's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active consumer accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited consumer-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application-hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example cloud computing node 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cloud computing node 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is only one example of a suitable cloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, the cloud computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

The cloud computing node 10 comprises a computer system/server 12 that is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

The computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

The components of the computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples various system components (e.g., the system memory 28 and the processor 16). The bus 18 represents one or more types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

The computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

The system memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or a cache memory 32. The computer system/server 12 may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, a storage system 34 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to the bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, the system memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer readable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

A program/utility 40 including at least one program module 42 may be stored in the system memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. The program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

The computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more external devices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with the computer system/server 12, and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable the computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces 22. Still yet, the computer system/server 12 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter 20. As depicted, the network adapter 20 communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 via the bus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with the computer system/server 12. Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example cloud computing environment 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. The cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or more cloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices 54 used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone 54A, a desktop computer 54B, a laptop computer 54C, and/or an automobile computer system 54N may communicate. The nodes 10 may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as private, community, public, or hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms, and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shown in FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

FIG. 3 illustrates abstraction model layers of a cloud computing environment 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown in FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In one example, IBM® zSeries® systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries® systems, IBM xSeries® systems, IBM BladeCenter® systems, storage devices, networks, and networking components. Examples of software components include network application server software. In one example, IBM WebSphere® application server software and database software. In one example, IBM DB2® database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, xSeries, BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.)

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers; virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 64 may provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources may comprise application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. Consumer portal provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level management provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 66 provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtual classroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transaction processing; and encapsulation mapping and communication. As mentioned above, all of the foregoing examples described with respect to FIG. 3 are illustrative only, and the invention is not limited to these examples.

It is understood all functions of the present invention as described herein can be tangibly embodied as modules of program code 42 of program/utility 40 (FIG. 1). However, this need not be the case. Rather, the functionality recited herein could be carried out/implemented and/or enabled by any of the layers 60-66 shown in FIG. 3.

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented with any type of clustered computing environment now known or later developed.

Embodiments of the invention relate to providing interoperability between hosts supporting multiple encapsulation. One embodiment includes a method that includes mapping packet encapsulation protocol type information for virtual switches. Each virtual switch is associated with one or more virtual machines (VMs). In one embodiment, it is determined whether one or more common encapsulation protocol types exist for a first VM associated with a first virtual switch and a second VM associated with a second virtual switch based on the mapping. In one embodiment, a common encapsulation protocol type is selected if it is determined that one or more common encapsulation protocol types exist for the first virtual switch and the second virtual switch. A packet is encapsulated for communication between the first VM and the second VM using the selected common encapsulation protocol type.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating a distributed overlay virtual environment 400 for employing an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the distributed overlay virtual environment 400 may comprise a distributed overlay virtual Ethernet (DOVE) network system. The distributed overlay virtual environment 400 includes multiple virtual systems (or networks) 405 (also known as DOVE modules in one embodiment) each comprising a server 310 (or host) with a virtual switch 315, hypervisor 316 and VMs 320, which overlay a physical layer 325 (e.g., including physical hardware and software processes) that may include physical switches, routers, servers, gateways, firewalls, etc. The physical layer 325 may also be referred to as the under layer. In one embodiment, overlay network segments 1-N 305 (e.g., overlay network segments 1-3) connect the multiple systems for communication of the different elements (e.g., hypervisors 316, VMs 320), where N is a positive number (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 10, etc.). It should be noted that while three systems 405 are shown, more (or less) systems 405 may be included in the distributed overlay virtual environment 400. In one embodiment, the virtual switches 315 comprise DOVE switches.

In one embodiment, the overlay network segments 1-N 305 create overlay networks between the hypervisors 316 and use encapsulation of packets, where packets originating from one VM 320 are encapsulated (e.g., adding overlay and physical network headers) and the physical layer 325 (underlay) is used to deliver to a server 310 where the target VM 320 resides. In one embodiment, in the physical layer 325 an outer header is used by physical switches to forward packets, where an overlay identification (ID) in an encapsulation header provides traffic isolation. Incoming packets to a virtual switch 315 of a destination server 310 are decapsulated (e.g., the encapsulation headers are stripped from the packet) and delivered to a destination VM 320. In one embodiment, address independence between different virtual systems 405 is supported. For example, two different VMs 320 operating in two different systems 405 may have the same Internet Protocol (IP) address and media access control (MAC) address. As another example, the systems 405 support deploying VMs 320, which belong to the same system 405, onto different hosts that are located in different physical subnets (includes switches and/or routers between the physical entities). In another embodiment, VMs 320 belonging to different systems 405 may be hosted on the same physical host. In yet another embodiment, the systems 405 support VM 320 migration anywhere in a data center without changing the VM 320 network address and losing its network connection.

In one embodiment, the systems 405 encapsulate data with physical path translations based upon policies (e.g., from a distributed connectivity service (DCS)), and send the encapsulated data between systems 405 that, in turn, is decapsulated and forwarded to a destination VM 320. In one embodiment, the policies describe, in a logical manner, how data is required to be sent over virtual networks without details of the underlying physical entities that performs particular tasks.

In one embodiment, the hypervisors 316 (e.g., VM 320 managers) allow multiple operating systems (e.g., VMs, such as VMs 320) to run concurrently on a host computer. A hypervisor 316 provides abstraction of physical resources to the VMs 320. For example, a physical network interface card (NIC) may be abstracted as a virtual NIC (vNIC) of a system 405. In one embodiment, a virtual switch 315 is a software abstraction of an Ethernet switch in the hypervisor 316 for providing connectivity for VMs 320.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example cloud cluster 100 of a cloud computing environment 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cluster 100 comprises one or more nodes 10 of the cloud computing environment 50. The nodes 10 of the cluster 100 maintain data for different data sub-groups. Specifically, each node 10 of the cluster 100 maintains at least one data set 110 (FIG. 5B) for a data sub-group. A data set 110 for a data sub-group may be replicated on different nodes 10 of the cluster 100 to support a distributed database system. The nodes 10 of the cluster 100 exchange information with one another to stay in sync. In one embodiment, the cluster 100 provides a distributed connectivity service (DCS) for exchanging information between nodes 10.

Each node 10 of the cluster 100 maintains domain mapping information 120 for the cluster 100. For each data sub-group, the domain mapping information identifies a corresponding node 10 of the cluster 100 that the data sub-group is mapped to. Therefore, the domain mapping information maintained on each node 10 of the cluster 100 includes a domain mapping for the node 10 (i.e., a mapping of one or more data sub-groups to the node 10) and a domain mapping for each remaining node 10 of the cluster 100. In one example implementation, each node 10 maintains the domain mapping information 120 in a system memory 28 (FIG. 1) of the node 10A.

A single node 10 of the cluster 100 is elected as a primary node 10A. The primary node 10A facilitates load balancing for non-primary nodes 10B of the cluster 100. If the primary node 10A fails, another node 10 of the cluster 100 is automatically elected as a replacement primary node 10A. The replacement primary node 10A takes over the operations of the failed primary node 10A.

In one embodiment, each node 10 of the cluster 100 is embodied as a server unit 12 (FIG. 1). The server unit 12 for the primary node 10A represents a primary server unit 12.

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of a non-primary node 10B, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, each non-primary node 10B of a cluster 100 maintains load information 130 relating to usage of resources (e.g., CPU, memory, other resources) of the non-primary node 10B.

Specifically, the load information 130 for a non-primary node 10B comprises the following: an overall load L on the non-primary node 10B, and a load S for each data sub-group on the non-primary node 10B. A load S for a data sub-group comprises updates and lookups on a corresponding data set 110 for the data sub-group per unit time.

Each non-primary node 10B is configured to send its load information 130 to the primary node 10A. In one embodiment, each non-primary node 10B sends its load information to the primary node 10A periodically.

In one example implementation, each non-primary node 10B maintains its load information 130 (FIG. 5B) in a system memory 28 (FIG. 1) of the non-primary node 10B.

As described in detail later herein, each non-primary node 10B further includes a domain transfer application module 140 configured for migrating/copying a data set 110 for a data sub-group to another node 10 of the cluster 100.

FIG. 5C illustrates a block diagram of a primary node 10A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a primary node 10A of a cluster 100 maintains load threshold information 220 for each non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100. For each non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100, the load threshold information 220 includes a corresponding load threshold Th for the non-primary node 10B.

In one example implementation, the primary node 10A maintains the load threshold information 220 in a system memory 28 (FIG. 1) of the primary node 10A.

The primary node 10A further includes a load balancing application module 210 that facilitates load balancing by controlling usage of resources of each non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100. Specifically, the load balancing application module 210 determines whether an overall load L on each non-primary node 10B exceeds a corresponding load threshold Th for the non-primary node 10B. If an overall load L on a non-primary node 10B exceeds a corresponding load threshold The for the non-primary node 10B, the primary node 10A triggers the migration/copying of at least one data set 110 for a data sub-group from the non-primary node 10B to another non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100.

In one embodiment, the load balancing application module 210 further determines whether an overall load L on the primary node 10A exceeds a corresponding load threshold Th for the primary node 10A. If an overall load L on the primary node 10A exceeds a corresponding load threshold Th for the primary node 10A, the primary node 10A triggers the migration/copying of at least one data set 110 for a data sub-group from the primary node 10A to a non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates load balancing for a cluster 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the load balancing application module 210 of a primary node 10A of a cluster 100 determines which non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100 has an overall load L that satisfies the following conditions: (1) the overall load L exceeds a corresponding load threshold Th for the non-primary node 10B; and (2) the overall load L is the highest overall load in the cluster 100. The load balancing application module 210 of the primary node 10A further determines which non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100 has an overall load L that is the lowest overall load in the cluster 100.

For example, let Node A in FIG. 6 represent a non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100 with the highest overall load L_(A) in the cluster 100, and let Node B in FIG. 6 represent a non-primary node 10B of the cluster 100 with the lowest overall load L_(B) in the cluster 100. The load balancing application module 210 of the primary node 10A further determines a data sub-group on Node A that minimizes the following relation (1):

|(L _(A) −S _(A))−(L _(B) +S _(A))|=|L _(A) −L _(B)−2S _(A)|  (1)

wherein S_(A) denotes a load S for a data sub-group on Node A. The primary node 10A initiates the migration/copying of a data set 110 for a data sub-group on Node A that minimizes the relation (1) provided above.

For example, let domain X represent a data set 110 for a data sub-group that is mapped to Node A. The primary node 10A determines that domain X minimizes the relation (1) provided above, and triggers the migration/copying of domain X to Node B.

In one embodiment, the primary node 10A notifies Node B that domain X will be migrated/copied from Node A to Node B. Upon confirming that domain X is not presently mapped to Node B, Node B signals that it is ready to receive domain X (e.g., Node B sends the primary node 10A an acknowledgment (ACK) message). The primary node 10A then instructs the domain transfer application module 140 of Node A to migrate/copy domain X to Node B.

In one embodiment, Node A transfers to Node B a copy (i.e., data snapshot) of data relating to domain X. During the transfer, data relating to domain X is still mapped to Node A. As such, during the transfer, Node A continues to accept and process data updates A relating to domain X from a sender (e.g., a client device 54). Node A also continues to support lookups on domain X during the transfer.

When the transfer is complete, the domain transfer application module 140 of Node A begins the transfer of the data updates Δ to Node B. Specifically, in one embodiment, Node A determines the size of the data updates Δ. If the data updates Δ comprises more than a threshold number of elements (e.g., more than 10 elements), Node A transfers the data updates Δ to Node B, and continues to accept and process additional data updates Δ relating to domain X.

If the data updates Δ comprises the threshold number of elements or less (e.g., 10 elements of less), Node A transfers the data updates Δ to Node B, and stops accepting and processing additional data updates Δ relating to domain X, thereby triggering a sender of the additional data updates Δ to retry sending the additional data updates Δ. Node B updates its domain mapping information 120 to reflect that domain X is now mapped to Node B, and sends confirmation to Node A (e.g., an ACK message), wherein the confirmation includes information reflecting the mapping of domain X to Node B. Node A also updates its domain mapping information 120 by deleting the mapping of domain X to Node A, and forwards all data requests for domain X (e.g., updates and lookups) to Node B.

Information reflecting the mapping of domain X to Node B is communicated to all other nodes 10 of the cluster 100. In one embodiment, gossip protocols are used to communicate the information to all other nodes 10 of the cluster 100. In another embodiment, the primary node 10A communicates the information to all other nodes 10 of the cluster 100. In yet another embodiment, Node A communicates the information to all other nodes 10 of the cluster 100.

Each node 10 of the cluster 100 updates its domain mapping information 120 to include the updated domain mapping for Node B and the updated domain mapping for Node A. Node A must wait from an ACK message from each node 10 of the cluster 100 before the domain transfer application module 140 terminates replication forwarding to Node B.

The load balancing operation occurs transparently to each client device 54 (FIG. 2) utilizing the cluster 100. The load balancing operation may occur without disrupting data updates and lookups. For example, a new data update Δ from a client to a first node may fail before prior data updates Δ have been finally transferred to a second node. By the time the client retries sending the new data update Δ to the first node 10, however, the prior data updates Δ have been finally transferred to the second node, and the new data update Δ will be accepted/forwarded to the second node. The load balancing operation also ensures that the cluster 100 consistently provides a client device 54 with requested data.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 250 of load balancing for a virtual networking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In process block 251, determine Node A, wherein Node A has the highest overall load. In process block 252, determine Node B, wherein Node B has the lowest overall load. In process block 253, determine a data set on Node A to transfer to Node B. In process block 254, transfer the data set from Node A to Node B. In process block 255, transfer data updates for the data set from Node A to Node B. In process block 256, update mapping information for the data set on all nodes of the system.

FIG. 8 is a high level block diagram showing an information processing system 300 useful for implementing one embodiment of the present invention. The computer system includes one or more processors, such as processor 302. The processor 302 is connected to a communication infrastructure 304 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network).

The computer system can include a display interface 306 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 304 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 308. The computer system also includes a main memory 310, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 312. The secondary memory 312 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 314 and/or a removable storage drive 316, representing, for example, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. The removable storage drive 316 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 318 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Removable storage unit 318 represents, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive 316. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 318 includes a computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 312 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 350 and an interface 322. Examples of such means may include a program package and package interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 350 and interfaces 322 which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 350 to the computer system.

The computer system may also include a communication interface 324. Communication interface 324 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. Examples of communication interface 324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, or a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communication interface 324 are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communication interface 324. These signals are provided to communication interface 324 via a communication path (i.e., channel) 326. This communication path 326 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, and/or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory 310 and secondary memory 312, removable storage drive 316, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 314.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory 310 and/or secondary memory 312. Computer programs may also be received via communication interface 324. Such computer programs, when run, enable the computer system to perform the features of the present invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when run, enable the processor 302 to perform the features of the computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system.

From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a system, computer program product, and method for implementing the embodiments of the invention. The present invention further provides a non-transitory computer-useable storage medium for hierarchical routing and two-way information flow with structural plasticity in neural networks. The non-transitory computer-useable storage medium has a computer-readable program, wherein the program upon being processed on a computer causes the computer to implement the steps of the present invention according to the embodiments described herein. References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes, the method comprising: maintaining one or more data sets on at least one computing node; receiving, from each computing node, a load information unit for said computing node, wherein said load information unit relates to resource usage on said computing node; determining, for each computing node, whether the load information for said computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said computing node; and for at least one computing node, transferring a data set on said at least one computing node to another computing node when the load information for said at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said at least one computing node.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: each data set corresponds to a data sub-group; and each computing node maintains mapping information, wherein the mapping information identifies, for each data set of the system, a computing node that said data set is mapped to.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein: a load information unit for a computing node comprises information relating to resource usage of each data set on said computing node.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: identifying a first computing node, wherein the load information unit for the first computing node is higher than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system; and identifying a second computing node, wherein the load information unit for the second computing node is lower than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining a first data set on the first computing node to transfer based on the load information unit for the first computing node and the load information unit for the second computing node; and transferring the first data set to the second computing node.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: transferring data updates for the first data set to the second computing node.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: for each computing node, updating the mapping information for the first data set on said computing node.
 8. A networking system, comprising: one or more data sets; and multiple computing nodes including a primary computing node, wherein said one or more data sets is maintained on at least one computing node; wherein the primary computing node is configured to: receive from each computing node, a load information unit for said computing node, wherein said load information unit relates to resource usage on said computing node; and determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for said computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said computing node, wherein a data set on said computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for said computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said computing node.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: each data set corresponds to a data sub-group; and each computing node maintains mapping information, wherein the mapping information identifies, for each data set of the system, a computing node that said data set is mapped to.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein: a load information unit for a computing node comprises information relating to resource usage of each data set on said computing node.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the primary computing node is further configured to: identify a first computing node, wherein the load information unit for the first computing node is higher than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system; and identify a second computing node, wherein the load information unit for the second computing node is lower than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the primary computing node is further configured to: determine a first data set on the first computing node to transfer based on the load information unit for the first computing node and the load information unit for the second computing node; wherein the first computing node transfers the first data set to the second computing node.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first computing node transfers data updates for the first data set to the second computing node.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein: each computing node updates the mapping information for the first data set on said computing node; and the primary computing node is replaced with another computing node when the primary computing node fails.
 15. A computer program product for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes, the computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having program code embodied therewith, the program code being executable by a computer to: maintain one or more data sets on at least one computing node; receive, from each computing node, a load information unit for said computing node, wherein said load information unit relates to resource usage on said computing node; determine, for each computing node, whether the load information for said computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said computing node; and for at least one computing node, transfer a data set on said at least one computing node to another computing node of the system when the load information for said at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for said at least one computing node.
 16. The program code of claim 15, wherein: each data set corresponds to a data sub-group; and each computing node maintains mapping information, wherein the mapping information identifies, for each data set of the system, a computing node that said data set is mapped to.
 17. The program code of claim 16, wherein: a load information unit for a computing node comprises information relating to resource usage of each data set on said computing node.
 18. The program code of claim 17, the program code further executable by the computer to: identify a first computing node, wherein the load information unit for the first computing node is higher than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system; and identify a second computing node, wherein the load information unit for the second computing node is lower than a load information unit for any other computing node of the system.
 19. The program code of claim 18, the program code further executable by the computer to: determine a first data set on the first computing node to transfer based on the load information unit for the first computing node and the load information unit for the second computing node; and transfer the first data set to the second computing node.
 20. The program code of claim 19, the program code further executable by the computer to: transfer data updates for the first data set to the second computing node; and for each computing node, update the mapping information for the first data set on said computing node. 